# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1872_S3
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

In accordance with a resolution passed at the last of the meetings preparatory to the Synodical Conference [*Synodal⸗Conferenz*], held at Fort Wayne, Ind., the Conference assembled on the 10th of July of this year in the church of Pastor Bading at Milwaukee, Wis. It was opened with a church service at which Professor C. F. W. Walther preached. By resolution of the Conference, the sermon is given here in place of an opening address.

Opening Sermon.

Lord JESUS, that we are gathered here today in unity of faith and bound together by the bond of love and of peace is not ours, not the work of men; it is Your work alone, a work of Your grace. Praise, glory and thanks be to You for it in time and eternity! But, Lord, as You alone have begun the good work in us, so You alone can sustain it in us, crown it with blessing, and bring it to completion. O so we pray You, now that You have brought us together through Your Word and Your Spirit to carry on Your work in common: do not forsake us now, grant us Your gracious presence today and always, as often as we shall come together, and stand by us, for without You we can do nothing, only err, only sin, and only ruin Your work. Work, then, with us, enlighten us, sanctify us, strengthen us, bless us, and let a blessing go out from all our gatherings, to the welfare of all our dear congregations, to the building up of Your whole Church, to the rescue and salvation of many souls bought with Your blood, and to the honor of Your great name. Lord, we lie here before You with our prayer, not relying on our righteousness but on Your great mercy; hear us for the sake of Your grace and truth. Amen.

[Manuscript library marks in ink along the top edge, partly legible: "906 / Luth. 6 / 2985 / A / 1872-1879".]